Course Overview




BIOL 399A
Global Change Biology


MWF, 1:10 - 2pm, In-person
Byrd 108


Professor: Dr. Campany

Dr. C’s connection to Global Change Biology

Todays Objective

Understand course goals
    Begin getting to know each other
       See if this class is a good fit for you
           Begin our story

Course Goals


  • Open to the story of biodiversity on our planet.
    • Contrast past and present patterns, evaluate how life responds to global change stressors, envision the path forward


  • Be a scientist science-ing.
    • Explore your interests, interpret other people’s studies, design your own studies, communicate your knowledge and wisdom


  • Explore your place in the story.
    • Open to different worldviews, relate course content to your own life, envision your path forward

What is this course about?

What is this course about?




Unit I: Setting the stage

Approaches in GCB (CH1)
Brief history of life on earth (CH2)
Rise of the Humans (CH3)
The Anthropocene (CH4)

What is this course about?




Unit II: Core Responses

Move (CH5)
Adjust (CH6)
Adapt (CH7)
Die (CH8)


Unit III: Complex Responses

Communities (CH9)
Ecosystems (CH10)

What is this course about?




Unit IV: New Horizons

Conservation in the era of global change (CH11)
Aligning the interests of biodiversity and humans society (CH12)

Course Format


  • This is a synchronous and participatory mostly flipped in-person class


  • What does that actually mean?
    • Reading matters and is expected
    • Your presence is honored and valued
    • Your verbal participation is required
    • All opinions matter


  • Each week will work on a spectrum of learning from Monday → Friday
    • Lecture → Open-ended discussions

Grading: Lots of assessment opportunites



Participation: in lecture and section


Courses chapter reflections: 3-2-1 assignments due Mondays by noon


Courses knowledge checks: every few weeks


Term Project: with lots of intermediate benchmarks


Final Exam: cumulative final

Term project


  • GCB discovery grant proposal (5 pages) meant to inspire your own independent, creative direction.


  • Submission windows:
    • Project topic selection: week of February 15
    • Term project rough drafts: week of March 15
    • Term project peer reviews: week of April 5
    • Final term project: week of April 26


  • Start thinking about what sparks your interest!


  • Writing resources are available of Brightspace
    • Ask me for help!

Term project on Brightspace

Lets take a look

Lets get started: New sheet of paper or electronic notes…



  • On the top of your page right: Interests Inventory


  • Free write about about any topics you are naturally drawn toward in the Global Change Biology arena
    • brainstorm with your neighbor


  • What issues ‘get you fired up’?
    • critter or part of the tree of life
    • biome or region of the world
    • environmental issue or human stressor

Textbook and reading load




  • Get the eBook through the library
    • much cheaper
    • details on syllabus


  • One chapter per week for lecture
    • read and reflect (graded) before lecture


  • Possible additional readings for open-discussions
    • these may be self-directed

Brightspace will be your go to for all course info


  • Announcements = updates, changes, important things in the news


  • Syllabus = refer to the syllabus, them email Dr. C


  • Grades = gradebook will be updates as fast as possible
    • always double check


  • Assignments = always submissions through Brightspace


  • Reminders = turn notification on
    • due dates, content created, announcements, etc.

Next up: Why are we here?


  • Make a decision if this class is right for you
    • Are you willing to play along?


  • No book chapter reading this week!


  • For class on Wednesday: Write a few sentences about the concept “Why are we here”
    • think like a scientist or global studies major!
    • you may be asked to read it aloud!
    • hiaku will be greatly appreciated